*By Chloe Aiello and Justin Chermol* Not many Californians are pleased with President Trump's weekend Twitter response to the wildfires that are devastating parts of California ー especially not Congressman-elect Harley Rouda. Fresh off a victory in California's 48th Congressional District, the newly-elected House Democrat had some choice words for the president on Monday. "This is the time to step up and show you have one ounce of empathy in your entire being. And instead, he uses this an opportunity to insult Californians, insult firefighters, insult those families that have lost lives, property ー incredible devastation. These tweet tantrums that show him acting as a temperamental, small child has to stop," Rouda told Cheddar on Monday. Rouda was referencing a tweet Trump blasted out on Saturday, blaming the destruction on poor forest management. The White House did not immediately respond to Cheddar's request for comment on Rouda's criticism. "There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires in California except that forest management is so poor," [Trump wrote on Twitter](https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1061168803218948096). "Billions of dollars are given each year, with so many lives lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests. Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!" Two new blazes broke out in Ventura County, Calif., on Monday. Firefighting resources are already stretched thin, as they work to combat three fires already scorching the state. In Northern California, the Camp Fire has killed at least 31, making it the deadliest in the state's history. Further south, the Woolsey Fire and the Hill Fire have forced the evacuation of hundreds of thousands, some from the state's wealthiest zip codes. Trump blamed forest management for the raging fires, failing to mention climate change as a contributing factor. [Climate scientists agree](https://www.fs.usda.gov/ccrc/topics/effects-drought-forests-and-rangelands) climate change aggravates the drought that contributes to wildfires. "Unfortunately our President denies basic science ... It would be better to see our country take a leadership role in addressing climate change and creating the new industries and new jobs that will have to be created to address this issue for the sake of humanity," Rouda said. "And that's why I'm excited with our new Congress ... if the President won't do it in concert with Congress, then Congress will march ahead without him," he added. Rouda just unseated Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a 30-year GOP incumbent with ties to Russia. [The Associated Press called](https://twitter.com/ap_politics/status/1061432753248448512?s=21) the race for Rouda Saturday afternoon, but Rohrabacher has yet to concede. For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/congressman-elect-rouda-ousts-30-year-republican-incumbent).

Share:
More In Politics
Opening Bell: March 19, 2018
Facebook is in hot water again after revelations that a data firm gained access to information from millions of users without their knowledge. Apple is reportedly developing its own display screens. Russian President Vladimir Putin was re-elected again by an overwhelming majority. Plus, Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant talk about season two of their Netflix show, "Santa Clarita Diet."
Unpacking the "Tit-for-Tat" Battle Between Russia and the UK
A day after the UK expelled almost two dozen Russian diplomats, Moscow is poised to retaliate with "tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats," says Jason Douglas, reporter at The Wall Street Journal. This diplomatic feud stems from the attempted murder of a former Russian spy and his daughter on British soil.
Inside the High School Walkout
A month after the Parkland, Fla., shooting, students across the country walked out of classes to demand gun control. Eric Adams, the Brooklyn Borough President who organized a rally to coincide with the walkout, said this is the students taking a step into "the classroom of life."
Opening Bell: March 14, 2018
Google is banning all ads related to cryptocurrency. Students across the country are walking out of class today to remember victims of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Kai Ryssdal, host and senior editor of Marketplace, stops by to talk about the upcoming 10 year anniversary of the financial crisis. And we're joined by the co-owner of McClure's, a company that specializes in making pickles.
Opening Bell: March 13, 2018
Rex Tillerson is out as Secretary of State and CIA director Mike Pompeo is in. President Trump issued an executive order blocking Broadcom's hostile takeover bid for rival chipmaker Qualcomm. Olympic gold medalist and author Scott Hamilton joins us to talk about his figure skating career and his new book. Plus, Kristen Scholer sits down with Brooklyn Decker and Whitney Casey at SXSW to talk about their start-up Finery.
Load More